(Phoenix, Ariz. – Aug. 25, 2006) Attorney General Terry Goddard today announced indictments against 69 defendants in one of the largest drug busts in the state’s history.

At a press conference held with Phoenix Police Chief Jack Harris, Goddard announced the 417count indictment and the breakup of a drug organization based in Sinaloa, Mexico, accused of trafficking large amounts of meth and cocaine.

“This case clearly ranks as one of the biggest drug busts in Arizona,” Goddard said. “Valley residents are safer today because of the excellent work of law enforcement.”

The indictments followed a three-month investigation by Phoenix police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The drug ring received large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine at several locations across the Phoenix metropolitan area. The illegal drugs were then sent to several other states. Investigators identified Amando Gamboa-Molina, Adrian Barraza-Mendoza, Mario Velasco-Felix and Noel Velasco-Felix as members of this organization.

The investigation led to the seizure of 49 kilograms of cocaine, 50 pounds of meth, two pounds of crack cocaine, 16 guns and 33 vehicles. Also seized was $2.5 million in drug proceeds. This amount includes $1 million in bond money that had been posted by Gamboa-Molina. The bond money was seized earlier this month after Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Thomas O'Toole ruled it did not come from legitimate sources and denied Gamboa-Molina's release.

Please contact Andrea Esquer at 602-542-8019 if you are interested in receiving an electronic copy of the indictment.